Name: Class:

Literary devices are

Literary Devices specific techniques
authors use to convey
~used in memoirs
ideas in a creative
and impactful way.

S W H W N J L R B Q I E K N M

N X F Y B O M W M J R G H O S

N X O L P O I C W X O J J I I

O G F N R E S T O O N L O S L

E T H J O W R D I V Y Y U U O

Z O F H H M A B L T R Y O L B

C K M U P R A Q O E E X H L M

M E H R A U Q T G L Y P F A Y

O O Z P T C B A O M E W E Z S

Y Q I Z E C M R O P E Z Q R G

Q C I D M I X R U R O C L R L

C L B D I F O T T L T E S I S

B Q W L B N J A E L W B I N P

N O I T A R E T I L L A H A U

S I M I L E Y A M J P V F H N

ALLITERATION ALLUSION
IDIOM HYPERBOLE IMAGERY
METAPHOR IRONY ONOMATOPOEIA
PARADOX OXYMORON PUN
SIMILE REPETITION SYMBOLISM
 Name__________________ Class_________

Similes
Similes can be used in all types of writing (including memoirs) to
enhance the story and create a more clear image of what is being
read in the reader's mind. Similes can also help engage and catch the
reader's attention.

What is a Simile?

A simile is a using the words or

where the things being compared share a similarity.

Examples:

You are slow like a sloth She could sing like a bird

She was as blind as a bat He was as busy as a bee

They ran like lightning You lie like a sidewalk

Others?
 Name______________ Class_________

i l e
Sim A simile creates a comparison between two
things by using the words 'like' or 'as'.

Analysis
Read through the following examples and write down the comparison that is
being made as well as the idea the writer is trying to communicate.
The first example has been done for you.

1. Her hair is as white as snow.

This example is comparing the woman's hair to snow.
This is communicating the idea that the colour of the woman's hair is the same colour as the
snow (white) implying she is elderly. (White/silver hair is associated with being old).

2. Cassandra ran like a cheetah to her next class.

3. The box was as light as a feather.

Writing
Now, write your own examples using the prompts below.
1. She swims like

2. like the Sahara desert.

5. The clouds were as soft

Name______________ Class______________

Metaphors
Metaphors can be used in all types of writing (including memoirs) as
they allow the writer to display their story imaginatively. Metaphors
create images in the reader's mind that are often easier to understand
than literal language. Metaphors can also help engage and catch the
reader's attention through a more widespread use of language.

What is a Metaphor?

A metaphor is a in which two (2) things are

compared but can not have any literal application.

Metaphor Examples:

Life is a highway They have a heart of gold

A blanket of snow You are a night owl

She is an early bird His heart is broken

Others?
 Name______________ Class_________

phor
eta
M
A metaphor creates a comparison by stating
that one thing is another or that one thing
does the actions of another.

Analysis
Read through the following examples and write down the comparison that is
being made as well as the idea the writer is trying to communicate.
The first example has been done for you.

1. Her fingers danced across the keyboard.

This example is comparing her fingers to dancers who move smoothly and gracefully,
suggesting that she plays the piano with ease and elegance.

2. The house was a pigsty.

3. Words are powerful weapons.

Writing

Now, write your own examples using the prompts below.

1. The clouds were

2. The blanket is

3. Her eyes are

Name______________ Class______________

Hyperbole
A hyperbole is used in writing (like memoirs) to create a large

emphasis on something the writer is trying to describe. Hyperboles

can help get the writer's point across to the reader while providing

vivid images, comedic effects, dramatic effects, intensity, or emotion.

What is a Hyperbole?

A hyperbole is a technique in writing in which is

used. When we exaggerate, we claim that something is much bigger

or greater than it really is.

Hyperbole Examples:

My feet are killing me It's raining cats and dogs

I told you this 100 times I am so hungry I could eat a horse

Cry me a river I died of embarrassment

Others?
Name______________ Class______________

Spot The Hyperbole

List a Hyperbole mentioned in each song:

1. "Firework" by Katy Perry

2. "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

3. "Fireflies" by Owl City

4. "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes

5. "As It Was" by Harry Styles

Find 2 other Hyperboles (From a movie, song, book, etc.)

Name______________ Class______________

Personification
The use of personification adds life, energy, and an element of

relatabilityto things that would otherwise be lifeless. Personification

can help the reader connect with the parts of the writing that are not

the characters.

What is Personification?

Personification is when the writer gives human

to something non-human in order to create imagery.

Vocabulary choices are key to creating effective imagery.

Personification Examples:

Lightning danced around the sky

The last peice of cake was calling my name

My alarm clock yelled at me to get out of bed

Others?
 Name______________ Class_________

ati o n
c Attributing human characteristics to an
onifi
Pers inanimate object, animal, or abstract idea.

Analysis
Read through the following examples of personification and
explain the effect of each.
One example has been done for you.

1. The days crept by slowly.

The use of the word 'crept' suggests that the days were quiet and uneventful as if they snuck
up on the narrator.

2. The traffic noise argued long into the night until finally, the boy fell asleep.

3. The lone cactus greeted any visitor brave enough to travel the hot desert.

Writing

Now, write your own examples using the prompts below.

1. The wind

2. My garden

3. The birds